[Anarchafeminists] [Fwd: Language and Immigration Controls]

[butterflea at riseup.net]

No One Is Illegal Public Meeting:
Language and Immigration Controls 
Discussion on the introduction of a pre-entry English Language Requirement
for
the Spousal Visa
 
*20th October, 7pm to 9pm
*Unite Offices, 128 Theobold’s Road , WC1X 8TN , nearest tube Holborn
*Speaker: Emily Churchill (co-founder of a campaign to try and stop the
new law)
 
On November 29th spouses or partners, from outside of the European Economic
Area, applying to come to Britain will have to pass an English language test
before they come to the UK . This was designed under New Labour but is being
implemented a year early by the coalition government as a sign that it is
prepared to be tougher than its predecessor - “I believe being able to
speak
English should be a pre-requisite for anyone who wants to settle here. The
new
English requirement for spouses will help promote integration, remove
cultural
barriers and protect public services. It is a privilege to come to the UK and
that is why I am committed to raising the bar for migrants…this is only the
first step.” (Theresa May) 

 
Emily says of the new requirement, “My husband and I speak Arabic
together, he
is learning English and we both think this is very important. However,
this law
is not about enabling new immigrants to learn English. This new rule
discriminates against spouses from parts of the world where English
tuition is
poor or non-existent, not to mention those who cannot afford to pay for
English
classes. What's more, it doesn't apply to spouses from within the EU who
don't
speak English. The rule shows a complete disregard for the right of married
couples and families to be together, and effectively punishes people like
myself
for marrying outside the EU.”
 
Open to all. Come and discuss with those affected by the new law, ESOL
(English
for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers, activists and trade unionists
– what
will the new law mean? What can we do?
 
For further details or directions call Rebecca on 07971 719 797


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